Apple to Pay $20M in Watch Battery Swelling Lawsuit

Apple Settles Lawsuit Regarding Apple Watch Battery Swelling

Apple has reached an agreement to pay $20 million to settle a class-action lawsuit. The lawsuit concerned issues with battery swelling experienced in the Apple Watch.

Details of the Lawsuit

The legal action was initially filed in 2019 within the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. It specifically alleged that the problem of battery swelling impacted the first four generations of Apple Watch models.

Battery swelling occurs when heat and gas accumulate inside the lithium-ion battery. This buildup causes the battery's casing to expand.

As the battery grows, it can potentially cause damage to other internal components within the device. This is due to the limited space inside the Apple Watch.

Apple's Response

Despite the settlement, Apple maintains its stance that the issue did not exist. The company states that the payment is solely to avoid further expenses related to a prolonged legal battle spanning over five years.

According to court documentation, Apple explicitly denies all allegations presented in the lawsuit. They also deny any claims of defects related to battery swelling in the covered Apple Watch models.

Apple further asserts that no improper or unlawful actions were taken by the company. The settlement is not considered an admission of guilt or wrongdoing.

A statement provided to TechCrunch reinforced Apple's position. It emphasized the denial of all claims and the motivation for settling was purely financial.

Eligibility and Compensation

To be eligible for compensation, users must have reported the battery issue to Apple customer support between April 24, 2015, and February 6, 2024.

Only residents of the United States are eligible to receive payment. Eligible individuals will be notified either by postcard or email.

The amount of compensation will vary based on the number of complaints filed by each impacted party. Payments to class members will range from $20 to $50.

Apple Watch owners who meet the criteria must submit their payment information through the lawsuit’s official website before April 10, 2025, to receive their settlement funds.

Recent Similar Case

This settlement follows a similar case involving Google's subsidiary, Fitbit. Fitbit was recently required to pay a $12.25 million penalty due to battery overheating issues with its Ionic smartwatch.